Salted caramel brownies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and gooey caramel. If you’re looking for a dessert that will wow your friends and family, these brownies will absolutely do the trick. They’re great for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party or just a cozy night at home. The balance of bittersweet chocolate with a hint of salt from the caramel creates a flavor explosion that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, making brownies is always a fun activity, so gather your ingredients and let’s get started!
This recipe takes you step-by-step to create the most satisfying dessert. With their fudgy texture and that melting middle of salted caramel, you won’t believe how easy they are to whip up. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, I promise you can nail this! With just a few ingredients and some simple techniques, you’ll be on your way to creating a sensational treat that’s sure to earn rave reviews. Let’s jump in and discover why these salted caramel brownies are going to become your new favorite recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of these salted caramel brownies lies in their perfect balance of flavors. Rich chocolate blends beautifully with sweet, salty caramel, creating an irresistible dessert. When you melt chocolate and butter together, they blend into a fudgy texture that’s essential for brownies. Plus, using room temperature ingredients leads to better emulsification, which means a smoother batter and even better brownies.
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Brownies
You’ll fall in love with the decadent mix of bittersweet chocolate and gooey salted caramel. Every bite brings a new wave of flavor that’s just heavenly. Not only are these brownies a treat for your taste buds, but they’re also super easy to prepare. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned chef, you’ll find that this recipe is a breeze. Perfect for special occasions, gatherings, or just treating yourself, these brownies are a delicious indulgence that you’ll want on repeat!
Ingredients
- 1 (11.5 oz) bag 60% Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce, divided
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
Melting the Chocolate and Butter
Over Double Boiler Method
Begin your brownie-making adventure by melting the chocolate chips and butter together. Use a double boiler for the perfect melt. Stir occasionally until everything is fully combined, then turn off the heat. Whisk in both sugars until fully mixed, and let this cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Patience is key here, as the cooled mixture leads to a better batter!
Preparing the Oven and Baking Pan
Preheat and Prepare
While your chocolate mixture cools, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F. Next, grease a 9×13 baking pan. For easy removal later, line the bottom with parchment paper—it makes a big difference when it’s time to cut those perfect squares!
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
Combine Eggs and Vanilla
Now that your chocolate mix has cooled, it’s time to add some eggs and vanilla. Whisk in the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract, but make sure to do this gently. Just incorporate until combined; overmixing here can lead to tougher brownies.
Adding Dry Ingredients
Incorporate Flour and Cocoa
After you’ve whisked in the wet ingredients, it’s time for the dry ones! Sprinkle the flour, cocoa powder, and salt right over the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together until no dry spots remain. This careful mixing keeps your brownies nice and soft, so it’s worth taking your time here.
Assembling the Brownies
Layering the Batter
With your brownie batter ready, pour half of it into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Next, drizzle in ½ cup of salted caramel sauce over that layer. Look to keep about a 1-inch border around the edges. This creates that luscious caramel center!
Finishing the Assembly
Top Layer and Design
Pour the remaining brownie batter on top, ensuring it’s level without disturbing the caramel below. For a lovely design, drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce across the top, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt. This finishing touch not only looks beautiful but also enhances the overall flavor!
Baking the Brownies
Bake Until Perfect
Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Remember to rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even baking. Here’s a little tip: use the toothpick test to check for doneness. Stick a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Cooling and Serving
Let Cool Before Cutting
Once they’re out of the oven, it’s important to let the brownies cool in the pan. This cooling period allows them to set properly, making slicing easier without crumbling. When they are sufficiently cool, cut them into squares, and get ready to impress your taste testers!
Serving Suggestions
For a truly indulgent experience, serve your brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy ice cream complements the fudgy brownie and salty caramel perfectly. Pairing them with a rich espresso or coffee can also enhance those chocolate flavors, making it a dessert to remember.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality chocolate for the most intense flavor.
- Make sure that your eggs are at room temperature; this helps with a smoother batter.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the salted caramel for peanut butter for a flavor twist that you will love. Or, add some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to give your brownies some delightful texture.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 5 days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain that fudgy texture.
Pairing Ideas
A glass of full-bodied red wine pairs wonderfully with these brownies, creating a rich combination of flavors. Alternatively, a classic cold glass of milk also enhances the chocolate experience and is always a winner!
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought salted caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought salted caramel sauce is not only acceptable but it also saves you valuable time.
2. How do I know when the brownies are done?
Important question! They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
3. Can I freeze the brownies?
Yes, you can freeze brownies! Just place them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw them before serving.
4. What type of chocolate is best for brownies?
Bittersweet chocolate gives the richest flavor. However, semi-sweet chocolate can work well too, depending on your preference.
5. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, definitely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Easy peasy!
These salted caramel brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re an experience! Bringing together textures and flavors, each bite feels like a celebration. Try making them for your next gathering, or simply whip some up just for you. You deserve it!
Print
Salted Caramel Brownies
These salted caramel brownies combine rich chocolate and gooey caramel, delivering an indulgent dessert that’s simple to prepare. Perfect for any gathering or a sweet treat at home!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (11.5 oz) bag 60% Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce, divided
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Melt chocolate chips and butter in a double boiler, stir occasionally until combined.
- Whisk in both sugars and cool the mixture to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking pan, lining with parchment paper.
- Whisk in eggs and vanilla to the cooled chocolate mixture gently.
- Incorporate flour, cocoa powder, and salt, folding until no dry spots remain.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, drizzle ½ cup of salted caramel on top, keeping a border around the edges.
- Top with remaining batter, drizzle with more caramel, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, and check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Ensure eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 230
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 80
